- Large-scale Arrests at Barberton Mine: Over 480 individuals were arrested during a coordinated crackdown on illegal mining activities at Barberton Mine, highlighting the severity of the issue.
- Involvement of Minors and Serious Charges: Among those arrested were four minors, with charges including trespassing, theft of gold-bearing material, and violations of the Immigration Act, reflecting the varied offenses associated with illegal mining.
- Joint Operation and Anti-Illegal Mining Campaign: The arrests resulted from a joint effort between Sheba Mine security and police during the Vala Umgodi campaign, emphasizing ongoing collaborative efforts to curb illegal mining.
More than 480 people appeared in the Barberton Magistrates’ Court following their arrest for offences linked to illegal mining. Among the accused were four minors. Charges include trespassing, theft of gold-bearing material, and violations of the Immigration Act.
The group was arrested on Friday, 01 August 2025, during a coordinated crackdown at Barberton Mine. The operation was a joint effort between Sheba Mine security and police under the long-standing anti-illegal mining campaign known as Vala Umgodi.
Those arrested, 26 individuals were granted bail of R2,000 each. The court found that these accused had no prior convictions, no pending cases, and had verified home addresses. They were warned not to commit any offences while on bail.
The State has indicated its intention to oppose bail for suspects with criminal records or ongoing cases. The remaining accused were remanded in custody. The case has been postponed to 11–12 August 2025 for further address verification and possible bail hearings.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), illegal mining is not just a criminal issueit, harms the country’s economy, threatens the environment, and endangers the lives of those involved and nearby communities.
